Mr. Speaker, what was meant as a celebration of culture and heritage turned into a moment of unspeakable sorrow. On April 26, the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, a symbol of Filipino unity and pride, was shattered by an act of senseless violence.
Many lives were taken, many more injured. Families were torn apart. Dreams were cut short and a community was left grieving, but in the face of all this darkness, we see the Filipino community being strong and resilient, coming together, grieving together and sharing with each other.
Today we stand in solidarity. To the Filipino community, we see them. We mourn with them and we stand with them. We know they will continue to celebrate the richness of their culture, traditions and history, as they should. I thank them for bringing the best of the Philippines to Canada and making it part of our Canadian cultural fabric. Together we are Canada, the true north strong and free.